Could inotropic agents increase risk of catheter infection in ITU patients?
Bacterial colonisation of indwelling medical devices, such as catheters, is a significant source of infection in ITU patients. The organism is most often Staph. epidermidis, and the formation of biofilms is thought to be important in conferring resistance to both host defences and antimicrobial drugs. An in vitro study suggests that proliferation and formation of biofilms is stimulated by catecholamine inotropic agents at pharmacologically used concentrations, possibly by facilitating iron uptake by the bacteria. The authors suggest that this may be a significant aetiological factor in the development of catheter-related infections.
